The Nurse-Family Partnership: A Lifeline for First-Time Moms

For many first-time mothers, the news of a pregnancy brings a mix of joy and overwhelming questions. For those facing financial hardships or isolation, addressing those questions can mean facing significant hurdles. That’s where the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) comes in. 

In Monroe, Pike, Carbon, Lackawanna, Wayne and Luzerne counties, a dedicated team of registered nurses has been quietly transforming lives for over 25 years. The NFP isn’t just a program; it’s a three-year journey that connects first-time moms with a dedicated nurse to ensure both mother and baby are healthy, have their needs met and are able to thrive.

NFP is an evidence-based, free home-visiting model designed for first-time, low-income mothers. When a new mother joins the program (which starts in the first 16 to 28 weeks of pregnancy), they will begin to meet with a designated registered nurse on a weekly or biweekly basis. The same nurse then becomes their partner in parenthood through pregnancy, birth and the baby’s first years, continuing to meet with them regularly until their child’s second birthday. 

In the Pocono region, six specially trained registered nurses manage about 25 clients each, working through 10-hour days to meet moms where they are — literally. Whether it’s a home visit, a walk in the park, or a meeting at a local library or coffee shop, the nurse becomes a consistent, nonjudgmental presence in a significant time of transition. In addition to working with pregnant moms to monitor their physical and emotional health and prepare them for childbirth, nurses also provide a full range of services tailored to the needs of each person. 

“Our job is to help moms navigate all that’s going on,” says Teri Zuba, RN, manager of the Nurse-Family Partnership at LVH–Pocono. 

That means supporting patients in everything from checking their blood pressure to getting to clinician visits and connecting with critical resources like food stamps or WIC. “We talk to them about the importance of being there for their baby,” Zuba adds. “If they’re interested in breastfeeding, we teach them how. We talk with them about relationships, and who is and who is not their support system. Whatever they need, we’re there for them — and we don’t judge.” 

As Zuba explains, a child’s brain develops most rapidly between ages 1 and 3. By providing support during these “fight or flight” developmental years, nurses help families avoid the lasting impact of traumas like housing instability or food insecurity.

Beyond the scope of pregnancy, nurses help new moms tap into the lives they are hoping to lead. “We ask them, ‘What are your goals? What is your heart’s desire?’ Then the nurse takes that big idea and breaks it down into manageable steps,” says Zuba. From finishing school to finding a job or learning how to drive, nurses serve as compassionate guides in problem-solving and helping moms reach those milestones. 

“When it works, it’s amazing,” says Zuba. “All kinds of people participate in the program, and the ones who really do the program do really well. You just see them flourish.” 

What truly sets the NFP apart is the depth of the bond between nurses and new moms. In an area where transportation can be a major barrier — like the five-mile trek to a bus stop in Pocono Country Place — nurses get creative. If a client moves to a new home within the region, the nurse often continues care in their new space to maintain that trust.

The NFP staff also understand that supporting mental health is a critical component of maternal health. Through the Moving Beyond Depression program, behavioral health therapists provide home visits to support moms struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety. “We believe that when a mother’s mental health is supported, she becomes an even better parent,” Zuba explains. 

Every September, the NFP hosts a graduation ceremony. It is a powerful moment where moms whose children are 2 years old receive a certificate and a family photo with their nurse. “It’s a day of immense pride,” Zuba explains. Families celebrate building new legacies and share success stories — from a mom who was once homeless and is now attending Misericordia University for nursing, to parents who see their nurses at community wellness fairs 13 years later just to say, “We remember you. Look how our son has grown.”

Despite being 100% grant-funded and free to participants, many moms initially think the program is “too good to be true.” The NFP team wants to change that.

• Who is eligible? First-time, low-income pregnant women (must enroll before 28 weeks).
• How do I sign up? You don’t need a doctor’s referral. Anyone can call — whether you are the expectant mother, a family member or a friend.
• Where are you? We serve Monroe, Pike, Carbon, Lackawanna, Wayne and Luzerne counties, with partnerships extending into Northampton and Lehigh.

Our nurses are listeners, advocates and experts. We aren't here to add pressure; we’re here to make life easier.

The Nurse-Family Partnership is also available at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital.